Use of gift cards other than Carnival

[Crazy4Camping]

I have experienced another hiccup in our plans.  After telling family that we would only like Carnival gift cards for birthday/Christmas gifts the past couple of years, we acquired a few.  We also acquired a few regular VISA/MC giftcards as well.  I have learned that you cannot use these for FunShops purchases because the system only allows one CC (although you can use multiple Carnival GCs) and it has to be enough to cover the entire balance of the purchase-at least this is what I was told when I called.  Of course, yet more useful info that would've been nice to know!!  Anyway, has anyone figured out a way to circumvent this inconvenience?  Maybe one of you knows something that the representative on the phone(who's attitude was basically "oh well, too bad")doesn't know or refused to tell me??

[shof515]

Use the gift card to purchase cruisecash https://www.carnival.com/FunShops/item/D28/cruise-cash-general 

[Crazy4Camping]

5 minutes ago, shof515 said:

Use the gift card to purchase cruisecash https://www.carnival.com/FunShops/item/D28/cruise-cash-general 

But won't it be the same problem?  I spoke with Fun Shops and they said it had to cover the whole purchase and my Cheers is still sitting in the cart.

[Crazy4Camping]

8 minutes ago, shof515 said:

Use the gift card to purchase cruisecash https://www.carnival.com/FunShops/item/D28/cruise-cash-general 

And can you use Cruise Cash before your cruise?

[Crazy4Camping]

I'm thinking I can go to the store and use the ones I have to purchase a larger denomination one(enough to cover my FunShops purchase).  Hoping this will work.  I will let  you know! Thanks!

[VolzCruiser]

why don't you just use the visa/mc ones you have to buy Carnival Gift cards at your local grocery?

Edited January 25, 2019 by VolzCruiser

[Crazy4Camping]

34 minutes ago, VolzCruiser said:

why don't you just use the visa/mc ones you have to buy Carnival Gift cards at your local grocery?

Haha yes that's what I said above.  I hadn't realized I could do this but I called my store and they said I could so heading there tonight. Thanks!

[Crazy4Camping]

36 minutes ago, VolzCruiser said:

why don't you just use the visa/mc ones you have to buy Carnival Gift cards at your local grocery?

But it will be for a regular GC.  You can't buy Carnival Gift cards at our grocery stores here.

[VolzCruiser]

1 minute ago, Crazy4Camping said:

But it will be for a regular GC.  You can't buy Carnival Gift cards at our grocery stores here.

 

Ah that stinks as we have them local and sometimes I forget not everyone has that luxury. Have a great cruise. 

[gma5]

Why not use the gift cards towards payments for the cruise and use what ever payment you planned on using for the extras?

 

 

Edited January 26, 2019 by gma5

[Crazy4Camping]

8 hours ago, VolzCruiser said:

 

Ah that stinks as we have them local and sometimes I forget not everyone has that luxury. Have a great cruise. 

Thank you!  It worked out,  just had to pay the extra $5.95 activation on a VISA GC but I was able to use it to purchase Cheers so we're pretty excited!!

[Crazy4Camping]

1 hour ago, gma5 said:

Why not use the gift cards towards payments for the cruise and use what ever payment you planned on using for the extras?

 

 

That would be a great idea but the cruise has been paid for for months.  We actually leave in a week.  But, I was able to do what was suggested and purchase another gift card for a large enough amount to cover what was left.  Thanks!!

[gma5]

Have a wonderful cruise. 

[Crazy4Camping]

12 hours ago, gma5 said:

Have a wonderful cruise. 

Thank you !!! You as well!!

[schazzy]

I see your problem has been resolved, but I'll also add to this thread that I know you can use Visa/MC gift cards/prepaid cards on the ship at guest services to be applied to your sail & sign balance. My MIL had one to use in ports, as she was told by someone to do so,  and lo and behold it didn't work internationally. Luckily we had the cash to cover her purchases in port, but once back on the ship she was upset she was stuck with the card now and no extra cash. I suggested she take it to GS to see if they could do anything with them and they were able to apply it to her S&S account and we were able to get her cash from the casino for the next ports.   

[cherbear4000]

Does it really matter what you use the VISA/MC  gift cards for?  Use them to purchase your groceries and then the cash you would have used for the groceries can now be put towards your cruise expenses. Use them to purchase clothes and other items like sunscreen for the cruise, etc.  

[emm126]

I had trouble using Visa gift cards last February on the Pride. I was trying to use to pay down my S&S account. it would go thru at 1st but money was taken off my account. I tried a couple different days. I was just happy I didn't throw them away after 1st use. I do think it has to do with not being used internationally but not sure. For my Horizon cruise in November, I just bought cruise cash with them before the cruise.